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Main & South
Mon-Thu:
Fri-Sat:
Sun:
9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m
2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m
Russiaville
Mon/Tue/Thu:
Wed:
Fri/Sat:
Sun:
9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Closed
9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m

*Russiaville is closed Wednesdays

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Main & South:

Russiaville:

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Overview

The library provides access to many electronic resources, including the Internet, which contain a wide variety of beneficial material and opinions from varied points of view. Many websites contain valuable and timely information and are essential tools for completing the library’s mission; however, other websites may contain material that is inaccurate, defamatory, illegal, or offensive according to community standards. This policy shall define appropriate uses and restrictions of publicly accessible electronic devices owned by the library.

Access

Access to library computer systems requires a valid library card, Computer Use Only card, or a guest pass. Library cards used to access computer systems must be registered to the patron accessing the systems. Use of cards registered to other patrons is prohibited. Computer sessions may be limited to one hour but may be extended if no one else is waiting to use a computer. Please be aware that there is no guarantee for a time extension. All Computer Usage Policies will be applicable when using the devices mentioned above.

Electronic Devices

Electronic Devices may only be checked out by patrons 18 years of age or older who have a valid personal library card. Patrons must have an account in good standing. Patrons are expected to follow all guidelines and policies set forth in this policy and the Circulation Policies of the library.

Wireless Access

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library also provides public wireless access to the Internet. Some locations may restrict wireless access to reflect library hours. Patrons must provide their own electronic devices to connect to the public wireless access points or check out a library owned device if one is available. Users of the wireless access points are subject to the terms of this policy; however, a library card is not needed to use the wireless network. The library cannot guarantee the privacy or safety of data and communications while using either wired or wireless services. Patrons need to be aware that wireless networks are inherently insecure and it is strongly recommended that patrons secure their computers with firewall software and data encryption. Technical help may be limited based on staff experience using the personal device presented.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

The library enforces an Internet safety policy that supports CIPA, which addresses issues pertaining to minors (any person younger than 18 years of age):

  • access to “inappropriate matter”.
  • safety and security when using e-mail, online chat, and other forms of direct electronic communication including social networking.

The library offers education to minors (any person younger than 18 years of age) about appropriate online behavior, including cyber-bullying awareness and response, and interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and online chat

Filtering

While the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library attempts through filtering software to prevent direct access to materials that would not be generally acceptable in a public library, it is technically impossible to prevent access to all objectionable resources. Filtering software also occasionally blocks acceptable sites; therefore, a library staff member will bypass the filtering software upon request by an adult user provided the site is not prohibited by policies set by the library. Library rules and restrictions as listed below apply at all times.

The filtering software will not be disabled for users who are minors (any person younger than 18 years of age). It is the responsibility of parents, stepparents, guardians, and responsible caregivers to monitor and guide their own children in the use of library computers and the Internet. Filtering software will not be disabled for patrons using personal computers or devices while connected to the library’s public wireless network as the library does not own these devices.

Electronic devices checked out to patrons for personal use outside of the library are not filtered. It is the responsibility of the person checking out these devices to follow the rules outlined in this policy.

Printing Services

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library provides printing services to patrons through the use of library computers and mobile devices. Print jobs are saved in the system through the end of the day. The library is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen printouts.

User errors, typos, formatting issues, printing the wrong document, or printing too many pages of the document will not be refunded. If output is significantly damaged, a request can be made to a KHCPL staff member to reprint the job for no fee.

Patrons may put funds in a prepaid, print account associated with their library card number. Cash and credit refunds cannot be made from the balance in this account. Balances do not expire. Staff can add credit to an account balance in the event of an error or misprint.

Wireless Printing

A library card is not needed to access the wireless printing mobile apps or the wireless printing website.

App Privacy

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library (KHCPL) is committed to safeguarding patron privacy and protecting personal information. This policy defines the methods by which information is collected, used, and secured within the KHCPL app, as well as the rights of users regarding their data.

Information Collection

The KHCPL app may collect specific types of information to deliver library services effectively and improve user experience:

  • Personal Information: Name, library card number, username, email address, and phone number provided during account setup or resource access.
  • Usage Data: Non-personally identifiable information such as app usage statistics, device type, and operating system.

Use of Information: The collected information is used solely for library-related purposes, including:

  1. Managing library accounts and activities.
  2. Providing access to resources, notifications, and updates.
  3. Enhancing app performance, security, and usability.

Information Sharing: KHCPL does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties. Information is shared only in the following instances:

  1. To comply with legal requirements, such as court orders or applicable laws.
  2. With service providers for app development and maintenance, under strict confidentiality agreements.

Data Security: KHCPL employs reasonable measures, including encryption and secure storage practices, to protect user information. While these measures enhance security, no system can be entirely guaranteed against unauthorized access.

Children’s Privacy: The KHCPL app is not designed for children under the age of 13 without parental consent. Parents or guardians may contact the library to request the removal of any inadvertently collected data from minors.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies: The app may utilize cookies or similar technologies to optimize user experience. Users can manage or disable these features through their device settings.

Legal Considerations

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library makes no warranties of any kind concerning the accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through library-provided Internet access.

In order to give technology help, it may be necessary for a KHCPL employee to handle the personal property of a patron. By seeking the aid of KHCPL staff, the patron agrees to hold the employee and the library harmless of any and all liability for the assistance.

In consideration of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library providing patrons with access to the Internet, patrons agree to hold the library harmless and agree to indemnify the library from any and all liability.

Rules and Restrictions

All KHCPL computer use is subject to monitoring by library staff. The use of library computing resources is subject to rules and restrictions. All devices that can be checked out to library patrons (not limited to mobile hotspots, scanners, Chromebooks, etc.) are subject to library computer usage policies, rules, and restrictions.

The library provides software programs and apps for patron use. The library will not install special or personally owned software onto computers as a safety measure to prevent a computer virus or potential cyber-attack.

The following intentional actions are considered unacceptable and may result in loss of computer resource privileges, library privileges, and/or prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities in the case of illegal acts.

  1. Accessing, transmitting, uploading, downloading, or distributing material or language that is pornographic, abusive, defamatory, sexually explicit, obscene, child pornography, harmful to minors, or any material that is intended to annoy, harass, or alarm another person;
  2. Engaging in any illegal activities using library computers or networks;
  3. Vandalizing, damaging, modifying, or disabling library computers, networks, software, electronic resources, or any library property, including the installation and/or modification of any software on library computers;
  4. Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any computing, information, or communication devices;
  5. Unauthorized copying of copyright or other protected material;
  6. Violation of another person’s privacy;
  7. Disrupting others’ use of computer resources in any way;
  8. Disclosing personal identification information on the Internet by minors (any person younger than 18 years of age).

Revised December 2024